Illuminated sight pin

ABSTRACT

A sighting device for use with a firearm or bow comprises a fiber optic member having a sight end visible by a user for aiming the firearm or bow at a target. A non-electrical, light-emitting material is disposed over a length of the fiber optic element in order to illuminate the fiber optic element in low light or no ambient light conditions. The non-electrical, light-emitting material may be incorporated into the sighting device in order to provide sufficient surface contact with the fiber optic member to provide adequate illumination as well as illumination of the sighting device itself.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to sights for archery bows orfirearms employing fiber optic elements and, more specifically, to sightpin constructions which provide increased stability to the fiber opticelement and which provide illuminated sight capabilities in environmentswhere ambient light is reduced or absent.

[0003] 2. Description of the Art

[0004] Archery bow sights utilizing a plurality of sight pins have beenknown in the art for many years. Typically, these sights use a bracketor other mounting structure for mounting the sight to a bow. The sightis commonly comprised of a pin plate, a pin guard, and a plurality ofsight pins which are secured to the pin plate and extend into a sightwindow formed by the pin guard. The sight is mounted to a bow in amanner so that when the bow string is drawn, the archer can look througha peep sight provided in the bow string and align the tip of a pinattached to the sight with a target. For sights utilizing a plurality ofsight pins having their tips vertically aligned, each individual sightpin is typically provided for aiming the bow at a target at a particulardistance from the archer. For example, one pin may be positioned in thesight for aiming the bow at a target 50 yards from the archer whileanother pin may be positioned for a target that is at 100 yardsdistance.

[0005] It is also known in the art to construct sight pins with alight-gathering fiber optic element to enable use of the sighting devicein low light environments. Various configurations of sight pins usingfiber optic members have been proposed. It is also well-recognized thatthe fiber optic elements of the sighting device are fragile andsusceptible to damage. Therefore, sighting devices have been constructedwith pin guards to surround and protect the fiber optic element. Despiteefforts to protect the fiber optic element of the sight pin, they arestill vulnerable to damage from being brought into contact with bushesor other objects. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide aprotective member for the fiber optic element which would shield thesight pin from damage.

[0006] It is also well-known in the art that despite the light-gatheringcapabilities of fiber optic elements which render sighting devices moreuseful in low-light conditions (e.g., dusk), there is a point at whichthe ambient light is so low that the fiber optic element is no longercapable of gathering sufficient light to provide any illumination. Whileothers in the art have disclosed the use of electronic means forproviding a light source to the fiber optic elements of the sightingdevice, the use of such devices add weight to the device, may failelectrically and are themselves vulnerable to damage by contact withbushes or the like.

[0007] It has also been proposed to provide a self illuminatingsubstance such as tritium at one end of a fiber optic element in orderto illuminate the opposite end. Because of the surface area of the endsof such fiber optic elements, the amount of light provided in such asmall surface area is relatively low.

[0008] Thus, it would be advantageous in the art to provide anon-electrical source of light to the fiber optic elements of thesighting device that provides sufficient illumination to the fiber opticelement to enhance the usefulness of the device in very low or noambient light conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In accordance with the present invention, a sighting elementemploying a fiber optic member for sighting illumination is structuredto provide protection for the fiber optic member and is structured toprovide a non-electric source of light to the fiber optic member inconditions of low or no ambient light. A sight pin of the presentinvention is further structured so that the non-electric light source isprovided along a length of the fiber optic member in order to brightenthe fiber optic element as a result of the light emanating from thenon-electric light source.

[0010] In one embodiment, a sight pin of the present invention isfurther structured to stabilize the attachment of the sight pin to thepin plate of a sighting device.

[0011] In another embodiment, a sight pin is structured to eliminate theneed for a peep sight in the bowstring.

[0012] In accordance with the invention, the sighting element may bestructured for use with an archery bow or may be structured for use witha firearm.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the sighting element isconfigured with a protective cover which fully or partially encapsulatesthe fiber optic member of a sight pin used with an archery bow. Theprotective cover is preferably a clear plastic or opaque material whichallows ambient light to illuminate the fiber optic element.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, the sighting element isconfigured with a non-electric light source which provides illuminationto the fiber optic member in conditions of low ambient light or noambient light. The non-electric light source is preferably a materialwhich naturally emits light, such as a radioactive or chemicallyactivated material commonly used in such devices as illuminated watchesand “glow-in-the-dark” signage. In addition, zinc sulfide and coppermixed phosphorescent pigments and powder materials can be incorporatedinto many materials such as plastics. Such luminescent plastic materialsmay be formed by mixing luminescent pigment powder with transparentplastic resin. The luminescent plastic can then be formed into thedesired shape or applied to the product by casting, molding, extruding,dipping and/or coating. The luminescent pigment is compatible withacrylics, polyester, epoxy, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene andpolyethylene polymers.

[0015] While there are many such light-emitting materials that may beemployed, another suitable material is tritium. The non-electric lightsource may be selectively positionable to bring the non-electric lightsource into registration with the fiber optic member to provideillumination thereto. Alternatively, as previously described, thenon-electric light source may be formed with the fiber optic member inconstruction of the sighting element, as by casting, molding, extruding,dipping and/or coating so that the luminescent material is provided tothe fiber optic member at all times.

[0016] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a sighting pin isstructured to provide an illuminated dot or sighting bead, formed by theend of a fiber optic member, which is viewable only at a precise anglecorresponding to a direct line-of-sight down the sight pin. Theprecision of sighting afforded by the configuration of the sight pineliminates the need for using a peep sight on the bowstring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an archery sight illustrating itselements of construction and its attachment to an archery bow inaccordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a view in elevation of a sight pin of the presentinvention;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a view in elevation of a first embodiment of theinvention illustrating a protective cover for the fiber optic member;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a view in elevation of a second embodiment of theinvention illustrating a protective cover which only partialencapsulates the fiber optic member;

[0021]FIG. 5 is a view in elevation of a third embodiment of theinvention illustrating a selectively positionable non-electriclight-emitting source;

[0022]FIG. 6 is a view in elevation of a fourth embodiment of theinvention illustrating an alternative means of providing a non-electriclight-emitting source to a sight pin;

[0023]FIG. 7 is a view in elevation of a fifth embodiment of theinvention configured to provide a direct line-of-sight means ofsighting;

[0024]FIG. 8 is an illustration of the sight pin shown in FIG. 7 asviewed from line 8-8;

[0025]FIG. 9 is a view in elevation of the end of a barrel of a gunillustrating a sixth embodiment of the invention adapted for use on afirearm;

[0026]FIG. 10 is a view in elevation of the end of a barrel of a gunillustrating a seventh embodiment of the invention adapted for use on afirearm;

[0027]FIG. 11 is a view in elevation of the end of a barrel of a gunillustrating an eighth embodiment of the invention adapted for use on afirearm;

[0028]FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C are front, cross-sectional side, and topviews of a bow sight including a luminescent material to illuminate afiber optic member of a sight pin illustrating a ninth embodiment of theinvention adapted for use as a bow sight;

[0029]FIG. 13 is a view in elevation of the side of a tenth embodimentof the invention adapted for use in a bow sight;

[0030]FIG. 14 is a view in elevation of the side of a eleventhembodiment of the invention adapted for use in a bow sight;

[0031]FIG. 15 is a view in elevation of the side of a twelfth embodimentof the invention adapted for use in a bow sight;

[0032]FIG. 16 is a view in elevation of the side of a thirteenthembodiment of the invention adapted for use in a bow sight;

[0033]FIG. 17 is a view in elevation of the side of a fourteenthembodiment of a pin arm of the invention adapted for use in a bow sight;

[0034]FIG. 18 is a view in elevation of the side of a protective coverfor use with the pin arm shown in FIG. 17;

[0035]FIGS. 19A and 19B are views in elevation of the side and front ofa sight pin when combining the pin arm of FIG. 17 and the protectivecover of FIG. 18; and

[0036]FIG. 20 is a view in elevation of the side of a fifteenthembodiment of the invention adapted for use in a pendulum-type bowsight.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037]FIG. 1 illustrates a bow sighting device 10 connected to anarchery bow 12. The sighting device 10 is comprised of a pin plate 14, apin guard 16 and a sight window 18 formed therebetween. A plurality ofsight pins 20 are secured to the pin plate 14 by attachment members 22,such as screws, which engage the sight pins 20 and extend through a slot24 formed in the pin plate 14. The sight pins 20 extend transverselyfrom the pin-plate 14 into the sight window 18. The sighting device 10is attached to a first bracket 28 by securement members 30. The firstbracket 28 may be adjustably connected to a second bracket 32 bysecurement members 34, and the second bracket 32 may be adjustablesecured to a third bracket 36 by screw members 38, which attach it tothe bow 12.

[0038] In use, the archer typically aligns a peep sight positioned on orformed in the bowstring with one of the sight pins 20. Each of the sightpins 20 is positioned and adjusted to correspond to a given distance(e.g., 50 yards, 100 yards, 150 yards, etc.) from the bow 12. The sightpins 20 allow the archer to better position the aim of the arrow tocompensate for target distance and trajectory. Sight pins 20 relevant tothe present invention are those which employ a fiber optic member in thesight pin to provide an illuminated point in reduced-light conditions.

[0039]FIG. 2 shows in better detail the configuration of a sight pin 20which, in its simplest form, comprises an elongate pin member or pin arm40 and a fiber optic member 42. The pin arm 40 is configured to beattachable to the pin plate 14 (shown in phantom) of a sighting device10 (FIG. 1). By way of example only, the pin arm 40 of the sight pin 20shown in FIG. 2 is configured with a slot or channel 44 extendingtransverse to the longitudinal axis 46 of the pin arm 40 which registersagainst a raised bar 48 formed along the length of the pin plate 14. Anaperture 50 is formed through the pin arm 40 through which a securementmember 52 (shown in phantom), such as a bolt or screw, is positioned tosecure the sight pin 20 to the pin plate 14. The aperture 50 may bethreaded to accept a screw 52 therethrough. The pin arm 40 in theembodiment shown in FIG. 2 is preferably made of lightweight metal torender the aperture 50 less susceptible to stripping when the sight pins20 are moved or adjusted along the length of the pin plate 14, whichrequires adjustment of the securement member 52. The fiber optic member42 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is U-shaped and has a first end 54and second end 56 which extend through the pin arm 40 and are spacedapart from each other. The first end 54 of the fiber optic member 42,which extends slightly proud of (i.e., extending beyond) the surface 60of the pin arm 40, provides an illuminated sighting bead 58. The bead 58as well as the second end 56 (having a similar configuration) are formedby heating the ends 56 and 58 of the fiber optic element to atemperature beyond the melting point of the material so as to form abead on the ends 56 and 58 of the fiber optic member 42. The beads arelarger than the apertures or holes 59 and 61, respectively, so as toprevent the ends 56 and 58 from pulling through the holes 59 and 61,respectively. The lateral force of the fiber optic member 42 in itstendency to return to a straight segment holds the ends 56 and 58 inrelative position within the holes 59 and 61.

[0040] In order to illuminate the fiber optic member 42 in low lightconditions, a luminescent member 63 is coupled to the fiber optic member42 so as to partially or fully encapsulate or surround or abut one ormore portions 65 and 67 of the fiber optic member 42 along a lengththereof. In doing so, the illumination of the luminescent member 63 iscaptured by the fiber optic element or member 42 illuminating the ends56 and 58. With the end 58 being the sighting end (i.e., the end of thesight pin 20 used to aim the bow at a target), the illumination of theend 58 allows a user to more clearly see the end 58 when trying to aimthe bow at a desired target without losing sight of the aiming end 58 ofthe sight pin 20.

[0041] The luminescent member 63 is positioned behind the pin arm 40 soas to be substantially hidden from view by a user when looking at thesight pin 20 when aiming the bow to which the sight pin 30 is attached.As the arm 40 is formed from an opaque material, the lumination from theilluminating member 63 is blocked from view. In this manner, theillumination of the illuminating member 63 does not distract the userfrom seeing the illuminated end 58 of the fiber optic element 42.

[0042] Because the fiber optic member 42 is very thin (approximately 0.3to 0.5 mm in diameter), it may be vulnerable to breakage or damage.Thus, in one iteration of the invention shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, thesight pin 20 is structured with a protective cover 62 which wholly orpartially supports, surrounds or encapsulates the fiber optic member 42to stabilize it and thereby prevent damage. The protective cover 62shown in FIG. 3 is generally arch or U-shaped to conform to the shape ofthe fiber optic member 42, which is completely embedded or encapsulatedwithin the protective cover 62. It is also contemplated that theprotective cover may have other configurations to accommodate fiberoptic member shapes, such as straight, L-shaped J-shaped or others. Theprotective cover 62 has a base portion 67 that abuts against he backside 69 of the arm 40 and a U-shaped portion 71 that depends from thebase portion 67 and supports the curved portion 73 of the fiber opticmember 42. The protective cover 62 may be clear plastic or opaque. If itis desired to illuminate the fiber optic member 42, the protective cover62 may be pigmented with a luminescent material in order to provide theprotective cover with light emitting properties in low light conditions.Such luminescent pigment will render the protective cover 62 generallymore opaque in nature. If such light emitting properties are notdesired, the protective cover 62 should be sufficiently pervious tolight (e.g., formed from a clear or substantially transparent material)to provide illumination to the fiber optic member 42 provided by thesurrounding ambient light.

[0043] In addition, whether the protective cover 62 is formed from aglow-in-the-dark material one or more lenses, such as lense 43, areformed in the protective cover 62 and are positioned over the positionof the fiber optic member 42. The lense 43 defines a convex surface onthe protective cover 62 and is configured to gather ambient light andfocus it onto the fiber optic member 42 or into the glow-in-the-darkmaterial of the protective cover 62. By modifying the curvature of thelense 43, the focal point of the lense may be configured to focus lightgathered by the lense 43 onto a surface of the fiber optic member 42 orin the interior of the fiber optic member 42.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the protective cover 62 onlypartially encapsulates the fiber optic member 42, leaving the upperportion 66 of the fiber optic member 42 exposed to ambient light. In theparticular embodiment shown, the protective cover 62 is integrallyformed as part of the pin arm 40. However, the protective cover 62 neednot be integrally formed with the pin arm 40. The protective cover 62shown in FIG. 4 may be made of clear or opaque plastic. In addition, theprotective cover 62 may be made of any other suitable material since, byits configuration, the upper portion 66 of the fiber optic member 42 isexposed, thereby enabling the fiber optic member 42 to collect ambientlight when it may be beneficial to collect ambient light to illuminatethe sight end 58 of the sight pin 40. By forming the protective cover 62from a luminescent material, however, the fiber optic member 42 cangather light from the exposed portion 66 when ambient light issufficient and rely on illumination from the protective cover 62 whenlight conditions diminish. In a situation where the protective cover 62,which is integral with the pin arm 40, is visible by the archer, thevisible surface 75 surrounding the ends 56 and 58 of the fiber opticmember 42 may be coated with an opaque material, such as a paint orcoating material (e.g., black or dark colored ink, paint, or othermaterials in the art).

[0045] In another embodiment of the invention, the sight pin isstructured with a non-electric, light-emitting element which providesillumination to the fiber optic member in conditions when ambient lightit very low or non-existent, thereby rendering a sighting element stilluseful in such conditions. In one embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 5, the sight pin 20 is structured with a pin arm 40 and fiber opticmember 42, and the fiber optic member 42 may be enclosed in a protectivecover 62 as previously described. In addition, a non-electric,light-emitting element 70 is selectively positionable in proximity tothe fiber optic member 42 to provide a source of illumination theretowhen desired by the user. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, thenon-electric, light-emitting element 70 comprises a base 72 whichoverlies the pin arm 40 and is configured with a bore 74 which isaligned with the aperture 50 of the pin arm 40 to receive the securementmember 52 (shown in phantom) therethrough. The bore 74 of the base 72may be threaded, and the base 72 may preferably be made of metal, suchas brass. A flange 76 extends from the base 72 in the direction of thesight bead 58 and provides a means for pivotally attaching a housing 78thereto. The housing 78 contains a non-electric, light-emitting material80, such as tritium or some other suitable luminescent material. Thehousing 78 is attached to the flange 76 by a pivot pin 82 such that thehousing 78 may be pivoted out of registration (as shown in phantom) withthe second end 56 of the fiber optic member 42 when ambient light issufficient to illuminate the fiber optic member 42. However, whenambient light is low or non-existent, the housing 78 may be pivoted sothat the non-electric, light-emitting material 80 is brought intoregistration with the second end 56 of the fiber optic member 42 andillumination is thereby provided to the fiber optic member 42. Byallowing selective placement of the light-emitting material 80 over theend 56 of the fiber optic member 42, the light emitting member 80 can bemoved away from the end 56 when light conditions are adequate. In such away, the light-emitting member 80 and its associated housing 78 can berotated away from the end 56 to allow ambient light to enter the end 56to add illumination to the sighting end 58.

[0046] The illumination of the sight end 58 can be further enhanced byforming the protective member 62 from a luminescent material as well. Assuch, materials-that are not necessarily conducive to being cast ormolded into a structure such as the protective member 62 can be providedin the housing 78. The combination of light-emitting elements canprovide a sufficiently bright sight end 58 of the fiber optic element42.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the non-electric,light-emitting element 70 may be more permanently registered against thesecond end 56 of the fiber optic member 42. For example, a block 86 oflight-emitting material may be secured to the pin arm 40 by means of thesecurement member 52 which attaches the sight pin 20 to the pin plate14, and an end portion 86 overlies, or is in registration with, thesecond end 56 of the fiber optic member 42 to provide illumination tothe sight bead 58 or first end 54 of the fiber optic member 42. Theblock may be any suitable material, such a plastic made from orcontaining a naturally radioactive, a phosphorescent substance, such astritium, a luminescent pigment or other available luminescent materials.

[0048] As previously discussed, each of the embodiments herein, such asfor example, the sight pin illustrated in FIG. 4, the protective cover62 may be formed from a plastic material made from or containing anaturally radioactive or phosphorescent substances, such as tritium andthe like.

[0049] In yet another aspect of the invention, a sight pin 20 isstructured to provide an illuminated sight bead 90 which is viewableonly when the sight bead 90 is in direct line of sight to the archer'seye, an arrangement which effectively eliminates the need for a peepsight on the bowstring. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, thesight pin 20 is structured with a pin arm 92 which is extended at oneend 94 in a direction away from the curved portion 96 of the fiber opticmember 42. Notably, the sight pin 20 of this embodiment may bestructured with a protective cover 62 as shown, or may be structuredwithout a protective cover 62. The extended end 94 of the pin arm 92provides a tube-like terminus 98 and, as illustrated in FIG. 7, thefiber optic member 42 of this embodiment is extended at one end 100though the tube-like terminus 98 of the pin arm 92. The terminal end 102of the fiber optic member 42 terminates just below the tip 104 of theterminus 98 so that the illuminated sight bead 90 provided by theterminal end 102 of the fiber optic member 42 is not viewable unless theeye of the archer is in a direct-line-of sight with the tube-liketerminus 98 of the pin arm 92. Thus, the bow is only properly alignedwith the target when the archer can see the sighting bead 90. Byincorporating a light-emitting protective cover 62, the fiber opticmember 42 can be illuminated in low light conditions. Similarly, otherlight-emitting structures described herein may be incorporated in the“peepless” sight pin 20.

[0050] The use of a non-electric, light-emitting material in a sightingdevice can also be adapted for use in a sighting device for firearms, asillustrated in FIGS. 9-11. As shown in FIG. 9, for example, a sightingdevice 120 may be attached to the terminal end of the barrel 122 of afirearm, and may be secured thereto by attachment to the sight 124 ofthe firearm and by, for example, means of magnetic members 126. Thesighting device 120 may be comprised of a base 128 made, for example,from a lightweight rubber, polymer or plastic material. To the base 128is secured a fiber optic member 130 which extends along the base 128 inalignment with the longitudinal axis 133 of the barrel. The fiber opticmember 130 may, for example, be held in place on the base 128 by meansof brackets 134, 136. The terminal end 138 of the fiber optic member 130provides an illuminated sight bead. The sighting device 120 furthercomprises a non-electric, light-emitting member 140 which is coaxiallyaligned and in end-to-end registration with the fiber optic member 130.The light-emitting member 140 may be held in place by a bracket 142.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the sightingdevice 120 may be structured to provide a base 128 and a fiber opticmember 130 aligned along the longitudinal axis of the barrel 122, aspreviously described. However, the non-electric, light-emitting element140 may be embedded in a housing portion 146 connected to the base 128.Again, the light-emitting element 146 is coaxially aligned with thefiber optic member 130 and is in end-to-end registration therewith toprovide a source of illumination to the fiber optic member 130.

[0052] In another alternative embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.11, the sighting device 120 may be structured as a tubular strip 150 ofrubber, polymeric or plastic material in which is housed, in coaxialalignment and end-to-end registration, a linear fiber optic member 130and a non-electric, light-emitting element 140. The terminal end 138 ofthe fiber optic member 130 extends from the end 152 of the tubular strip150 to provide an illuminated sight bead. Alternatively, the tubularstrip 150 may be made of a material which is formed from or whichcontains a naturally light-emitting or phosphorescent material. When thefiber optic member 130 is embedded or housed in the tubular strip, lightemitted from the material of the tubular strip 152 illuminates the fiberoptic member 130 and the sight bead at the terminal end 138.

[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C, a bow sight, generallyindicated at 200, is illustrated in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention. The bow sight 200 is comprised of a pin guard 202forming a sight window 203, a sight attachment portion 204, a pinattachment portion 206 and a sight pin 208 extending from the pinattachment portion 206 into the sight window 203. The sight pin 208 isfixed to the pin attachment portion 206 as by being integrally formedtherewith. The sight pin 200 is provided with a single fiber opticmember 210 having and end 212 that provides an aiming indicia or sighttip.

[0054] A channel or recessed portion 214 is provided in outer surface215 of the pin guard 202 and extends along a length thereof fromproximate the sight pin 208 to the top 216 of the pin guard 202. Thefiber optic member 210 extends from the sight tip 212 through a hole 218formed in the pin attachment portion 206, into the channel 214 andaround the pin guard 202 to the top 216 thereof. The distal end 220 ofthe fiber optic element 210 extends through a hold 222 formed in the pinguard 202 and is secured thereto as by forming a head or bead on thedistal end 220.

[0055] A layer of luminescent material 224, such as a strip of lightemitting tape, is secured to the channel 214 as with an adhesive. Theluminescent material 224 extends along a substantial length of thechannel 214. The side of the fiber optic member 210 is positioned overthe luminescent material so as to collect light emitted therefrom. Byproviding an extended length of the fiber optic material over the lightemitting material 224, a significant amount of light can be gathered bythe fiber optic member 210 for illuminating the proximal end 212 of thefiber optic element 210.

[0056] Additionally, by forming the pin guard 202 from a translucentmaterial, such as a clear or semi-transparent plastic material, theluminescent material 224 can illuminate a portion of the pin guard 202to also make at least a portion of the sight visible in low lightconditions. By illuminating the sight 200 itself, the user can quicklylocate the position of the sight 200 in low light conditions and thenmore quickly locate and focus on the illuminated sight end 212 of thesight pin 208. Thus, a single light-emitting member may be provided toilluminate both the fiber optic element and at least a portion of thesight 200 itself. Of course, the fiber optic element 210 and the sight200 could be provided with separate light-emitting elements in order toseparately and independently illuminate these structures.

[0057]FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16 illustrate four more embodiments of sightpins in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Thesight pins 300, 320, 340 and 360 illustrate various other configurationscontemplated within the scope of the present invention. The sight pin300 is provided with a carrier 302 attached to the fiber optic element304. The carrier 302 holds a piece 306 of luminescent material incontact with a portion 308 of the side of the fiber optic element 304.The luminescent material 306 is exposed on its sides in order to gatherambient light and emit the light to the fiber optic element in low lightconditions. The sight pin 300 can be mounted at its mounting end 312 byinserting an externally threaded fastener (not shown) into internallythreaded bore 314.

[0058] The sight pin 320 of FIG. 14 illustrates another way in which thefiber optic element 322 can be illuminated with a glow-in-the-darkmaterial. A plug 324 formed of luminescent material is inserted into ahole 326 formed in the arm member 328 of the sight pin 320. The plug hasa base portion 330 and an insert portion 332 sized to fit within thehole 326. The insert portion 32 is positioned adjacent one end of thefiber optic element 322 in order to provide illumination of the sighttip 334 in low light conditions.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 15, it is also contemplated that the fiber opticelement 342 of the sight pin 340 may have many different shapes orconfigurations. In this example, the fiber optic element 342 is housedwithin a protective casing 344 that protects the fiber optic element 342and holds it in the desired position. The protective casing 344 isattached to an elongate sight pin arm 348 as by mechanical or adhesiveattachment. The fiber optic element 342 has a generally J-shapedconfiguration with the end 346 forming the sight end being the onlyexposed end. The protective casing 344 is formed from a luminescentmaterial to illuminate the fiber optic element 342 in low lightconditions.

[0060] In FIG. 16, the sight pin arm 362 itself forms the protectivecover or casing for the fiber optic element 364. As such the sight pinarm and protective cover are a single integrated component. Thus, theentire sight pin arm may be formed from a luminescent material.

[0061]FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a sight pin arm 402 and a fiber opticmember support/illuminating structure 404. When assembled, the sight pinarm 402 and support/illuminating structure 404 form the sight pin,generally indicated at 400, shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B. The sight pinarm is comprised of a mounting portion 406 and a fiber optic membersupport portion 408. In this example, the mounting portion 406 isconfigured to be mounted to the pin plate of a bow sight (not shown).The mounting portion includes a transversely extending hole 410 thatextends between a channel 412 for abutting against and mating in atongue and groove manner with a corresponding protrusion on the pinplate. On the opposite side of the mounting portion, a hexagonallyshaped recess 414 is configured for receiving an hex nut. The shaft of ascrew can then be inserted through the hole 410 and threaded into thenut to hold the pin arm 402 in place.

[0062] The fiber optic member support portion 408 is configured to bemore narrow than the mounting portion 406 and includes a support strutor member 407 having a channel 409 for receiving a supporting a portionof the fiber optic member 416 that extends from the pin arm 402 toengage with the fiber optic member 416 to provide lateral stabilizationthus reducing the risk of breaking of the fiber optic member 416. A pairof transversely extending holes 418 and 420 are provided in the pin arm408 to hold the two ends of the fiber optic member 416 relative to thepin arm 408 with the hole 420 positioned proximate the end 422 or tip ofthe arm 408. The end 424 of the fiber optic member 416 exposed at thetip 422 provides the sighting indicia of the sight pin 400.

[0063] The fiber optic member 416 is further supported by the fiberoptic member support/illuminating structure 404. The structure 404 isconfigured to support a fiber optic member in an arch-like configurationand thus has an arch-like shape itself. The structure 404 has a firstportion 430 with a base portion 432 that abuts against the top of thepin arm 402 and defines a fiber optic member receiving channel 434 inwhich the fiber optic member 416 can rest while exposing the top of thefiber optic member 416 while positioned at least partially therein. Thesecond portion 436 defines an interior channel 438 for supporting aportion of the fiber optic member 416 and encloses three sides of thefiber optic member 416. A base surface 440 of the second portion alsoabuts against the top surface of the pin arm 402. When engaged with thesupport 404, the fiber optic member 416 is inserted through an aperture442 that is formed between the first and second portions 430 and 436,respectively.

[0064] Proximate a mid portion of the support 404, a pair of laterallyextending tabs 450 and 452 are positioned to receive and abut againstthe support strut 407. The tabs 450 and 452 also extend below the topsurface 411 of the pin arm 402 to abut against the sides of the pin arm404 to provide lateral stability to the support 404. Such lateralstability helps to prevent the support from becoming forced in adirection perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fiber opticmember 416 that could otherwise cause significant stress that coulddamage the fiber optic member 416 proximate the top surface 411 of thepin arm 402.

[0065] By forming the support 404 from a self-illuminating material,such as a glow-in-the-dark material, the fiber optic member 416 will beilluminated in low light conditions. Also, the support combines severalfeatures into a single component that provides support and protection ofthe fiber optic member 416, encapsulates a portion of the fiber opticmember 416 for maximizing the illumination of the fiber optic member 416in low light conditions and exposing a portion of the fiber optic member416 along a length thereof for maximizing the ability of the fiber opticelement to capture incidental light from the environment to illuminatethe tip 424 in normal lighted conditions.

[0066]FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of a sight pin assembly,generally indicated at 500, in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention. The sight pin assembly 500 is configured for use as apendulum-type sighting mechanism. That is the sight pin assembly 500 canpivot freely about an axis to allow proper sighting of the bow as thebow is elevated or lowered. The sight pin 500 is comprised of a pin arm502, a pin arm mounting portion 504, a fiber optic member 506 that iscoupled at both ends 508 and 510 to the pin arm 502, and a fiber opticsupport/illuminating structure 512. The pin mounting portion 504 isprovided with a transversely extending hole 507 so for mounting the pin500 to a shaft upon which the pin 500 can freely pivot as needed. Thestructure 512 is comprised of a block of glow-in-the-dark materialdefining a channel 514 for receiving the fiber optic member 506 thatextends from the base 516 of the channel to the outer surface 518 of theblock. Thus, the structure 512 at least partially encapsulates a portionof the fiber optic member 506. The structure 512 is comprised a firstportion 520 that has a width that is wider than the pin arm and definesa second channel 522 for receiving a portion of the pin arm 502. Thewidth of the channel 522 is similar to that of the pin arm 502 so as toprovide lateral stability to the structure 512 and thus to the fiberoptic member 506. Thus the first portion 520 fits over a portion of thepin arm 502. The structure 512 also includes a second portion 526 thathas a width similar to that of the pin arm 502 when viewing the pin armfrom a direction facing the front surface 528. The second portion 526supports a portion of the fiber optic member 506 at the top portion ofthe arc thereof and terminates to allow the fiber optic member to beexposed for a length thereof. This exposed portion of the fiber opticmember 506 allows the fiber optic member 506 to gather ambient lightwhen conditions are sufficiently bright. As the ambient light isinsufficient to adequately illuminate the fiber optic member 506, thestructure 512 can be charged, either by exposing to bright light, a heatsource, or other energy sources (for those glow-in-the-dark materialsthat can be charged for illumination by a source of energy other thanlight), to illuminate the fiber optic member 506.

[0067] While the present invention has been described with reference tocertain embodiments to illustrate what is believed to be the best modeof the invention, it is contemplated that upon review of the presentinvention, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variousmodifications and combinations may be made to the present embodimentswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as recitedin the claims. The principles of the present invention may be adapted toany type of sight including those illustrated as well as pendulum typesights and the like. The claims provided herein are intended to coversuch modifications and combinations and all equivalents thereof.Reference herein to specific details of the illustrated embodiments isby way of example and not by way of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. An archer bow sight, comprising: a pin guarddefining a sight window; at least one sight pin coupled to said pinguard; an elongate fiber optic member attached to said at least onesight pin having a first end and a second end, said first end forming asight indicia within said sight window when viewing a front side of saidat least one sight pin; and a non-electric, light-emitting memberpositioned in proximity to said elongate fiber optic member along alength thereof to provide illumination thereto in conditions of low orabsent ambient light.
 2. The sight of claim 1, wherein saidnon-electric, light-emitting member is selectively positionable toregister against said fiber optic member.
 3. The sight of claim 1,wherein said non-electric, light-emitting member encapsulates at least aportion of said fiber optic member.
 4. The sight of claim 3, whereinsaid non-electric, light-emitting member comprises a protective covercoupled to said at least one sight pin positioned adjacent said fiberoptic member.
 5. The sight of claim 1, further including a protectivecover at least partially encapsulating a portion of said fiber opticmember.
 6. The sight of claim 5, wherein said protective coverencapsulates a substantial portion of said fiber optic member.
 7. Thesight of claim 4, wherein said fiber optic member has a U-shapedconfiguration and said protective cover has a similar configuration tosaid fiber optic member.
 8. The sight of claim 1, wherein said pin guarddefines a channel in an exterior surface thereof, and said anon-electric, light-emitting element comprises an elongate segmentdisposed in said channel.
 9. The sight of claim 8, wherein said fiberoptic member extends from said first end into said channel.
 10. Thesight of claim 9, wherein a second end of said fiber optic member issecured relative to a top portion of said pin guard and saidnon-electric, light-emitting element is positioned adjacent asubstantial portion of the length of said fiber optic member.
 11. Thesight of claim 4, wherein said protective cover includes at least onelense thereon.
 12. The sight of claim 1, wherein said pin guard isconfigured to fit within an existing pin guard of a bow sight.
 13. Thesight of claim 1, wherein said sight pin is configured for mounting as apendulum sight pin.
 14. A sight pin, comprising: a pin arm configuredfor attachment to a bow sight; a fiber optic member coupled to said pinarm, at least one end of said fiber optic member providing a sightindicia for aiming; and a luminescent protective cover coupled to saidfiber optic member and at least partially enclosing said fiber opticmember.
 15. The sight pin of claim 14, wherein said protective coverencapsulates a substantial portion of said fiber optic member.
 16. Thesight pin of claim 15, wherein said fiber optic member has a U-shapedconfiguration and said protective cover has a similar configuration tosaid fiber optic member.
 17. The sight pin of claim 16, wherein said pinarm further includes an upwardly extending tab inserted into saidprotective cover for providing lateral stabilization of said protectivecover.
 18. The sight pin of claim 17, wherein said protective coverfurther includes at least one downwardly extending portion for abuttingagainst a surface of said pin arm for providing lateral stabilization ofsaid protective cover relative to said pin arm.
 19. The sight pin ofclaim 16, further including a selectively positionable light emittingmember coupled to said at least one sight pin for being selectivelypositioned adjacent said fiber optic member.
 20. The sight pin of claim14, wherein said protective cover includes at least one lense forgathering ambient light and directing the ambient light toward saidfiber optic member.
 21. A sight, comprising: an elongate fiber opticmember; an elongate member attached to said elongate fiber optic memberfor supporting said fiber optic member; and a luminescent materialdisposed over a portion of a length of said fiber optic member forilluminating said fiber optic member in conditions of low or absentambient light.
 22. The sight of claim 21, wherein said elongate memberis configured for attaching said fiber optic member to the barrel of afirearm.
 23. The sight of claim 21, wherein said elongate membercomprises a pin arm and is configured for attaching said fiber opticmember to a bow sight.
 24. The sight of claim 21, further including ahousing containing said luminescent material coupled to said elongatemember and being selectively positionable to register against saidelongate fiber optic member.
 25. The sight of claim 21, wherein saidluminescent material encapsulates at least a portion of said fiber opticmember.
 26. The sight of claim 21, further including a protective covercoupled to said elongate member and positioned adjacent said fiber opticmember.
 27. The sight of claim 26, wherein said protective cover iscomprised of a light-emitting material.
 28. The sight of claim 27,wherein said protective cover encapsulates a substantial portion of saidfiber optic member.
 29. The sight of claim 26, wherein said fiber opticmember has a U-shaped configuration and said protective cover has asimilar configuration to said fiber optic member.
 30. The sight of claim28, further including at least one lense attached to said protectivecover.